MARION, IND. — Head Volleyball Coach Candace Moats announced several exciting additions to its Women's Volleyball program for the 2025 season.

Joining the Wildcats for the 2025 season are William and Ashlee Robbins, co-owners of Empowered Sports Club and longtime leaders in the volleyball and education communities. the Robbins bring a combined legacy of excellence, faith, and impact that aligns seamlessly with IWU's mission of Christ-centered athletic and academic development.

"Bringing William and Ashlee on staff is a true blessing for IWU Volleyball," said Head Coach Candace Moats. "Their combined experience, commitment to the Lord, and proven track record in building champions make them a perfect fit. We are excited for what's ahead!"

A former professional indoor and beach volleyball player, U.S. Junior National Team coach, and Christ-centered entrepreneur, William Robbins has been a transformative figure in the volleyball world—particularly in Northeast Indiana. With over two decades of elite coaching experience, William has dedicated his career to the holistic development of athletes—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Following a successful playing career overseas, William founded Pro Beach Fitness, Fort Wayne's first volleyball-specific sports performance program. He went on to establish Pro Beach Juniors, Indiana's first beach volleyball club, and co-founded Pineapple SportONE VBC with four-time Olympian Lloy Ball and fellow IPFW alumni. In 2013, he stepped out in faith to launch Empowered Volleyball Academy, a Christ-centered training facility and travel club program that has grown into one of the Midwest's largest and most respected programs—now serving over 1,000 athletes across six travel clubs. William has also served as Head Coach of the U21 U.S. Boys Beach National Team at the FIVB World Championships in Thailand, where the team earned the highest finish in U.S. boys beach history. He represented Team USA at the inaugural FIVB Snow Volleyball Tournament in Moscow and trained with the Bahrain Beach National Team. He currently serves as a Head Coach in the USA Beach Volleyball National Team Development Program (NTDP) and as Director of Development & Strategic Planning for Excel Sports Group, a multi-sport management company co-founded with Parkview Health, Ortho Northeast, and Gym Rats Basketball. His coaching legacy includes producing Indiana's first NCAA Division I beach volleyball athlete and two current USAV National Team members. William also serves on the boards of the Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) and the Hoosier Region of USA Volleyball as Beach Representative. Outside of volleyball, William is a devoted father to two beautiful daughters, known not only for his leadership in sport but for his intentional, faith-filled parenting. His calling is to build champions on and off the court.

Ashlee Robbins is a former collegiate setter, nationally recognized coach, former educator, and the Senior Director of Empowered Volleyball Academy and Pro Beach Juniors. With a background rooted in leadership, education, and faith, Ashlee brings deep coaching experience, academic excellence, and servant-hearted mentorship to the IWU program. A 2007 graduate of IPFW with a degree in Education, Ashlee earned her Master's in Administration and Supervision from Ball State University in 2013. As a student-athlete, she played for IPFW's Women's Volleyball team from 2002 to 2005, helping lead the Mastodons to Independent National Championships in 2002 and 2004. Ashlee began her coaching journey in 2007, leading the Varsity Volleyball program at Leo Jr./Sr. High School while simultaneously serving for over 15 years as a mathematics teacher and Math Department Chair. Her ability to blend high-level coaching with classroom excellence has made her a trusted mentor to hundreds of student-athletes.

Ashlee has helped lead Empowered teams to national recognition, including:

• National Runner-Up at USA Volleyball Nationals (2019)

• 5th Place Finish at USAV Junior Nationals (2022)

• 3rd Place Finish at USAV Junior Nationals (2023)
   

"Joining IWU as a family is an incredible opportunity to extend our ministry through sport," said Ashlee. "We are honored to serve at a university that shares our values and look forward to impacting the next generation of Wildcats with purpose and passion."
 

Hannah True begins her first season as a Graduate Assistant for the Women's Volleyball program, while pursuing her Master's in Integrative Health. A 2024 graduate of Liberty University, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Hannah has experience coaching both men's and women's volleyball programs across a range of age levels, including roles with Next Level Performance, Kalamazoo Premier, and Kalamazoo Force. She brings a strong background in teaching, mentorship, and player development.

"Hannah True has quickly distinguished herself as a valuable addition to our program," said Head Coach Candace Moats. "Demonstrating strong independence and an exceptional work ethic from day one. Her initiative and commitment set a high standard for excellence."

Maddie Swan is a senior Sports Management major with double minors in Business Administration and Coaching, returning for her third season as the Operational Manager for IWU Women's Volleyball. Originally from Camden, Michigan, she has played a vital role during two of IWU's National Championship seasons, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the operations side of athletics. In the upcoming club volleyball season, Maddie will serve as head coach for the 12 Black team with Team Pineapple. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in collegiate or professional sports, with a special passion for the fast-paced and detail-oriented world of athletic operations.

Evan Mann is a sophomore Writing major from Des Plaines, Illinois. He joins the IWU Volleyball program as a Manager. Mann brings playing experience as a middle blocker in high school and currently competes as a setter/right side for the IWU Men's Club Team.
"I am excited for the opportunity to learn and be part of such a great program," said Mann.